Change is good: Marblehead High's talented Class of 2014 moves on

Monday

Jun 9, 2014 at 5:37 PMJun 11, 2014 at 8:54 PM

William J. Dowdwdowd@wickelocal.com

Hundreds of spectators filled Marblehead High School’s field house Sunday afternoon to observe school officials confer diplomas upon the 259 members of the Class of 2014 and send them off into new chapters in their lives.Over roughly two hours, commencement speakers praised graduates’ accomplishments, reminisced about memories and offered wisdom, advice and insight before graduates moved their tassels from the left to the right.Offering her first graduation greeting, Superintendent Maryann Perry reminded students about the importance of persevering through change, knowing this particular class had witnessed much turnover in school leadership throughout their years.“The Marblehead High School Class of 2014 has been through a lot of change,” she said, adding that people who weather abrupt changes in life often “mature” and “grow.” “The unexpected, and our reaction to it, is what our character is built on.”She advised graduates to use their experience and acquisition of skills and knowledge to change over the years. “Stay true to yourself,” she urged, and embrace change without compromising values.“Unexpected change may be the best learning moments in your life,” she concluded. “Build character and dream big.”Before she began her greeting, Perry thanked public officials — School Committee members, including newly elected Susie Pratt, Bill Ackerman and Michael Murphy, along with Town Administrator Jeff Chelgren and members of the Board of Selectmen — for being present.Alea Moscone, the class vice president, presented not one class gift but three: five new iPads for the school, $400 in filters for two new hydration systems donated by the Parent Council Organization and hundreds of new chairs. Of the last item, she pointed out that graduates were seated in them during the ceremony.In her address, class president Lily Cummings tipped her hat to “every adult in this building for creating an environment where students flourish.”Cummings said it is a privilege to receive a diploma from a school that gives students an opportunity to discover and equips them with an anything-is-possible attitude, so long as they work hard to obtain it.“Marblehead High School has provided a holistic education and given us the opportunity to explore every side of ourselves,” she said. “We have been blessed with books, computer labs, a big beautiful library and educators that have cared for us for 12 years.”She continued, “We are standing on the cusp of adulthood, the world’s arms spread wide to us. We can be anything, we can do anything: write a play, go pro in football, open a school; the world is ours for the taking.”For the commencement, faculty members picked Emma Oliver to give the class’ senior essay. And if Cummings expressed gratitude to members of the school community, Oliver told her peers not to forget the town that gave them those educational opportunities.“We cannot forget the place we call home, Marblehead,” Oliver said. “Where we come from and who we spend time with shapes us the same way school does. Past experiences lead to future success.”In a comedic moment, Oliver came with a list of advice students could take with them as they venture into the “real world.” Her fifth item was, “Do not sweat petty things, and do not pet sweaty things.”Alongside the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Pomp and Circumstance,” highlights of Sunday’s exercises included moving, tingle-inducing musical selections. Accompanied by the school’s band orchestrated by teacher Scott Winship, the school’s chorus and concert choir, led by outgoing director Amanda Roeder, sang One Republic’s “I Lived” and Rusted Root’s “Send Me on My Way.”Aside from the process of bestowing diplomas, the largest chunk of time was devoted to the presentation of scholarships and awards, led by Assistant Principal Lynsey Page.The commencement featured two new traditions: Salutatorian Jacob Beck and valedictorian Jason Frost were given medals, and Beck was invited to offer a salutatory address.Beck encouraged his classmates to be individuals and to find meaning in life along with a set of values, all the while learning from life’s stumbles.“Remember to enjoy just being alive,” he said. “Try to guide your moral evolution with a little artificial selection, but, most importantly, just remember to enjoy the rest of your life as the unique gift it is.”Frost spotlighted the class’ talents, from a stellar mock-trial team, the success of the athletic teams in qualifying in state and national tournaments to the science and math teams’ performances.“Some of you have impressed the rest of us with your talents in the visual arts, decorating our hallways with paintings, sculptures and photographs,” Frost said.Noting the class’ gravitation toward community service, especially at a Salem-based shelter, Lifebridge, he added, “Many of you have given back to the community, setting aside time to help those in need.”From health care, poverty, education, climate change to violence, Frost expressed an eagerness to tackle the world’s growing problems along with the rest of his peers.“These are the challenges that we will face as an entire generation, and our responses will define our generation’s legacy,” he said. “I am confident this class is up to the task.”Principal Layne Millington, who like Perry was giving his first Marblehead commencement address, also talked of the Class of 2014’s exceptional qualities in his brief remarks.“Given the humor, intelligence and uncompromising desire to achieve that I have seen in your class, I know that no challenge will ever wear you down nor bar your way,” he said. “I am proud to have shared this past year with you and am humbled by your accomplishments.”Diplomas were then handed out. As students returned to their seats, the faculty high-fived and hugged students.The graduation’s official exercises ended a little before 4 p.m., the high school’s band playing “Marblehead Forever.”